What Is a Model Contract?
A model contract is a written legal agreement between a model and a client. It lays out the scope of work and the responsibilities and duties of the model and the client.
Drafting and signing a model contract helps avoid disputes and protects your interests, whether you’re the model or the client.
Some models sign with an agency instead. For models that are employed, you can also use a contract to help ensure their rights are protected.
Why Use a Model Contract?
Whether you are a model or a client, you want to make sure you have the details of your job written down. This ensures there is no dispute about what is expected from either party.
A written service agreement is commonly necessary if there is any dispute. A court will often only enforce the written terms of a contract, not what the parties allegedly agreed to when speaking to each other.
The lack of a contract often results in unexpected expectations and unpaid invoices.
What to Include in a Model Contract
Your modeling contract should include all of the important details of the job. Writing these details down specifies everything expected of you and everyone else.
Your model contract template should include all of the following:
The State for the Agreement
The agreement should specify the state in which the agreement was signed and to which it applies. This is important to determine what state laws may apply to the contract.
Date of the Contract
The contract date shows when the agreement was signed and when it is effective. You may also customize the form to create a separate effective date for the agreement.
Party Names and Information
The model contract should include the parties’ names and other identifying information. This identifying information should include:
- The full name of the model and client
- A business name
- An official title for a business representative
- Addresses for the parties
Description of Modeling Services
Models are called upon to do many different types of work. Both parties should know exactly what is expected of them, and expectations should be put in writing. This may include, but is not limited to:
- The work the model will do
- A description of the types of photographs that will be taken
- A location for the work
- Any special requirements or wardrobe details
These details help prevent unexpected expectations or disagreements about what should occur during the modeling job.
Price and Payment Details
The contract should include, in detail, everything about how the model will be paid. This should include the amount they will receive, how it is calculated, and by what method the model will be paid.
Party Signatures
The model, client, and any other party should sign the contract. A legal signature is usually required to make the written contract enforceable.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Modeling Contract
When making a modeling contract, you should avoid these common mistakes:
- Making verbal agreements outside of the written contract
- Trusting a verbal agreement only
- Not reading all of the terms, especially exclusivity clauses
Model Contract Sample
This modeling contract sample can help you see what the document looks like and help you get started making your own.
You can download the model contract agreement below in PDF or Word format:
